Proposal for conservation of unique ancient boats in Bac Ninh

On the morning of March 26, records at the archaeological pit showed that, although located deep underground, the two boats were still in fairly intact shape. The archaeological team had completed the excavation of the interior of the boats. The exposed parts were kept moist to avoid damaging the wood and hull of the boats.

Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Deputy Head of the Department of Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Head of the archaeological delegation, shared: The unique feature of the two ancient boats is their large scale, the two boats are firmly connected together by a solid wooden bar over 6m long at the bow of the boat, a structure discovered for the first time by the archaeology industry in Vietnam. The location of the boat's discovery is on the ancient Dau River - a branch of the Thien Duc River (Duong River) flowing close to the west bank of Luy Lau citadel.

At a field workshop organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Ninh province in coordination with the Institute of Archaeology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) on the morning of March 26, scientists gave initial assessments and proposed solutions to preserve and promote the value of the relic.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tong Trung Tin, President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, commented: The two discovered boats have a strange and unique structure, the first time in the history of Vietnamese archaeology that a double-bottomed boat has been recorded. The artifacts on the boat, such as the peach-shaped knob, have sophisticated techniques like the Ly Dynasty.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Minh Tri, Department of Underwater Archaeology (Institute of Archaeology) said: This is a typical type of boat with international characteristics in the Asia-Pacific region. With wooden nails, connecting the planks with hooks and equal wooden bars..., the double-hulled boat dates back to around the 11th-14th century, I am inclined to believe it was from the Ly Dynasty and is a Vietnamese boat.

However, regarding the exact age of the ancient boat, experts and scientists said that it is currently impossible to conclude because we have to wait for the results of Carbon-14 sampling and other comprehensive scientific studies.

At the workshop, 100% of the opinions of experts and scientists from the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, the Center for Underwater Archaeology, the Institute of Archaeology... agreed on the in-situ conservation plan, and at the same time suggested two most suitable conservation plans in the current situation: First, fill in the archaeological area, close the relic to preserve the original state underground. Second, preserve in-situ without filling, build a tank wall and immerse in water.

Expressing concern that leaving archaeological artifacts outdoors as they are now will easily lead to damage, Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the National Museum of History, suggested that the urgent issue now is to preserve this unique and valuable artifact by filling it with soil and preserving it in place.

Opinions also suggested that before conservation, it is necessary to continue expanding the scope of archaeology, providing analysis, comparison, and data to have a comprehensive view of the artifacts, from which 3D images can be created to serve research and sightseeing. In addition, information about the two boats should be released internationally soon to receive professional and technical support.

Based on the opinions of experts and researchers, Dr. Nguyen Van Dap, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Ninh province, said that the province will continue to coordinate with scientists to conduct research on the structure of the boat, evaluate the role of the heritage to have specific solutions and conservation plans.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/de-xuat-phuong-an-bao-ton-thuyen-co-doc-la-tai-bac-ninh-post868225.html